Set in Turkey’s remote Eastern Anatolia, Ardahan offers a rare blend of ancient fortifications and pristine nature. The tour begins with a visit to Ardahan Castle, an Ottoman‑era stronghold ordered by Sultan Suleyman in the mid‑16th century, where Bronze‑Age artifacts have been uncovered. From there you will travel to Seytan (Devil) Castle, a site continuously occupied from the Hellenistic period through the Ottoman era, featuring historic cisterns, a descending staircase and a small chapel. The journey continues to the pre‑Christian Kinzi Castle, the Urartian‑built Kalecik Castle of the 8th century BC, and the border‑side Kurtkale (Wolf’s Castle) that watches the Georgian frontier.
The second half of the day showcases the lesser‑known Kirnav Castle, whose masonry mirrors that of Ardahan Castle, before heading to the tranquil waters of Cildir Lake. Here you will admire the expansive freshwater lake and the picturesque Akcakale Island that rises from its surface. The lake’s calm setting provides a perfect contrast to the rugged stonework of the surrounding forts, creating a memorable landscape of water and history.
Beyond monuments, the itinerary invites you to taste and create the flavors of the region. A professional cooking lesson in a local restaurant lets you prepare traditional Ardahan dishes such as Ayran Soup, Katmer, Feselli and Pisi, guided by friendly locals who share stories of their culinary heritage. After lunch you have free time to wander Ardahan’s streets, shop for regional crafts, and soak up the warm hospitality that defines this hidden corner of Turkey.
| Tour type | Private · multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 Days 3 Nights |
| Price | From €439 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 10 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours · TÜRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full program, day by day — click a day to see every stop.
Upon landing at Kars Airport, you will be welcomed by a driver and transferred to your hotel in Ardahan. After checking in, the remainder of the day is at your leisure to settle in, explore the town’s modest streets, or simply relax and enjoy the mountain air. Overnight in Ardahan completes the first day.
After breakfast, the guide will meet you for a full‑day exploration of Ardahan’s fortress heritage. The itinerary begins with Ardahan Castle, an Ottoman construction commissioned by Sultan Suleyman, where recent excavations revealed Bronze‑Age relics. The group then proceeds to Seytan Castle, a multi‑period site with cisterns, a water‑access stair, and a chapel. Next, you will visit Kinzi Castle, believed to pre‑date Christianity, followed by Kalecik Castle, an Urartian stronghold from the 8th century BC. The tour continues to Kurtkale (Wolf’s Castle) near the Georgian border, then to Kirnav Castle, whose walls echo the style of Ardahan Castle. The day concludes with a scenic stop at Cildir Lake, where you will view Akcakale Island before returning to the hotel for the night.
Following breakfast, you will be escorted to a local restaurant for a hands‑on cooking workshop. Under the guidance of a professional chef, you will learn to prepare iconic Ardahan specialties such as Ayran Soup, the flaky pastry Katmer, hearty Feselli, and delicate Pisi. The prepared dishes are enjoyed together for lunch, offering a true taste of the region. In the afternoon you have free time to stroll the city centre, browse local markets, and purchase handmade souvenirs before returning to the hotel for the evening.
After a final breakfast, the morning is yours for any last‑minute sightseeing or relaxation. Later, a driver will collect you and transfer you back to Kars Airport for your onward flight, concluding the tour.
Arrival in Ardahan → Ardahan Castle & Castles Tour → Cooking Lesson & Shopping → Departure from Ardahan
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Extra day tours you can add along your route — Arrival in Ardahan, Ardahan Castle & Castles Tour, Cooking Lesson & Shopping, Departure from Ardahan.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized — from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!